creating better podcasts

I haven't heard your podcasts, but here is some of the best and least expensive advice I can give you that can make a big difference for those new to creating podcasts.

First, use a headset microphone. This places the microphone close to your mouth. Having the microphone close to your mouth will minimize any room echoes or ambient noise since your speech will be much louder compared to any of that
Also, if you are intervieweing other people, their side of the conversation won't sound through any speakers which could then bleed into your microphone. unwanted background. Do not use the built in microphone from your PC!

Secondly, make sure you are in a small, quiet room with no echoes. Preferably the room should be carpeted and have soft hangings on the wall. You don't want the podcast to sound like you are in a tin can or empty room. This is why many professional newscasters will often make their audio from inside of a closet if they are recording at a remote location and don't have access to a sound proof studio. Also, turn off any heating or air conditioners, fans, etc.

Yes a decent microphone will probably do better than a headset microphone and USB microphones aren't the best. But headset microphones can give excellent quality compared to a stand alone microphone and most non-professionals won't be able to tell the difference.

Finally, editing a podcast to take out mistakes, redundant content, and/or any content that isn't needed can make a big difference. How many podcast have you listened to where the host drones on and on for an hour but there is really only 20 minutes worth of content in the show! I know, its extra work, but remember that it is also extra work for lots of listeners to have to wade through lots of extraneous material.

Hope that helps.

--Pete